Music has a way of connecting you to a place. A guitar carried along on a camping trip. A song first heard at the fair. Maine's Kennebec Valley has a few surprises in store for music lovers of all types. In fact, we are even home to the New England Summer Music Camp at Snow Pond in Sydney.

Country, Bluegrass and Folk Music Festivals: With Blistered Fingers' two summer performances sandwiching CountryFest the Kennebec Valley has a good handle on bringing in the crowds to the Litchfield Fairgrounds to find great performances.

Club Venues: Looking for a great performance on any given night? If you are anywhere near the capital, head to Hallowell; with places like Easy Street, Higher Grounds, The Liberal Cup, or Hoxter’s you will find something to please your ear. Also keep your eye out for music performances on the schedule at Johnson Hall in Gardiner. Up in Waterville, the college town appeal created by Colby has set the right tone for a great night out. Stop in at the Silver Street, You Know Whose or Mainely Brews.

Classical at Colby: Each summer the Atlantic Music Festival has been making little waves on the campus of Colby College with moving musical performances during July and August. Their shows often coordinate with the Maine International Film Festival.

Community Music Performances across the Kennebec Valley are also worthy of a listen. Nearly every town has a village green with a community band playing. Or look out for the Augusta Symphony Orchestra.

Civic Center and Opera House Shows: Look no further than the Augusta Civic Center or the Waterville Opera House. Each is very different, but can also accommodate larger acts and bigger crowds.